Former Tottenham Hotspur star Micky Hazard knew Ryan Mason had what it takes aged six

Tottenham Hotspur have developed a reputation recently for the development of their young talent. The likes of Harry Kane, Danny Rose, Andros Townsend and Nabil Bentaleb are all testament to this fact.

Another name in this dimension would have to be midfielder Ryan Mason.

The creative midfield operator has emerged as a late bloomer for Spurs ever since he scored a cracking goal against Nottingham Forest in the League Cup last season.

Mason was a player discovered by a former Spurs midfielder. Micky Hazard, who had two separate spells at White Hart Lane as a firm fan favourite after winning the FA Cup and UEFA Cup with the club, has known Mason since the age of six.

Mason's career has certainly hit an upward trajectory this year. After earning a regular spot in the Spurs first-team he is now an England international with his eyes firmly set on a place in the England squad for the European Championships in France next summer.

A feat not many would have predicted a year ago, other than Hazard.

Mathew Nash

I’m Mathew Nash a 27 year old graduate in Sports Studies and I have an insatiable love for sport. With a particularly keen interest for the madcap world of football I have always been known amongst friends as a beacon for bizarre sporting trivia and knowledge. My other passion is for writing and hopefully combining the two will create a superb and entertaining marriage that will create, divide and share opinion.Mathew is a correspondent for the NextGen Series, Ligue 1 and Primeira Liga.